Standard fillings restore the function of teeth that have been affected by cavities. However, certain types of fillings, such as silver amalgam, are visible when you smile. If you wish a more natural-looking white smile, cosmetic fillings are another option for you.
Uses of Cosmetic Fillings
Cosmetic fillings function like standard fillings but match the natural shade of your teeth. Cosmetic filling material is used for several other dental-related purposes such as restoring chipped or fractured teeth. It can also be used in cosmetic dentistry procedures like restoring the color, shape and size of teeth, making them appear more uniform, and closing the gaps between teeth.
The Benefits of Cosmetic Fillings
Cosmetic fillings offer a lot of advantages aside from their natural, tooth-like appearance. That is why we at Grand View Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provide this option to our patients.
- Better Bonding with Your Teeth – The dentist makes amalgam fillings by mixing powdered metal alloy (including tin and copper) with liquid mercury. The mercury bonds the alloy together, while the metals in the alloy neutralize the potential toxic effects of the mercury. The softened putty is then placed into the cavity which the dentist drilled out to remove the decay. By contrast, cosmetic fillings are painted into the cavity layer by layer. Placed and cured properly, the layers bond to the teeth securely, becoming part of it and strengthening it.
- Preserves more Natural Tooth Material – Your dentist needs to drill out the infected tooth material to place fillings. However, cosmetic fillings don’t require as much material to be removed compared to metal fillings.
- Safer Option for Young Children and People with Allergies – Amalgam fillings contain a mixture of metals, including mercury. The low levels of mercury have been deemed safe by the FDA for individuals over the age of six, at least compared to our normal, daily exposure to it; however, some patients may be allergic or sensitive to mercury. In that case, cosmetic fillings are an effective alternative.
Types of Cosmetic Fillings We Offer
Dr. Stephen Moore, DDS, is skilled in creating and applying the following types of cosmetic fillings.
- Composite Resin – Composite resin fillings match the color of your teeth and do not require extensive drilling and reshaping of your tooth during the procedure. Made from glass particles and plastic, this type of cosmetic filling comes in two types. The first requires your dentist to place the soft filling material a little bit at a time and hardening each layer with a blue light before the next one is placed. The second type is applied after the dentist has taken an impression of your tooth to create a customized filling to restore a larger portion of the tooth.
- Porcelain – Porcelain fillings are tooth-colored and far more resistant to stains compared to resin fillings. They can last for at least seven years as long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine. However, they are more brittle than composite resin fillings and do require the tooth to be molded and reshaped before they can fit on the tooth securely.
For more information on cosmetic fillings or to book a consultation and determine whether these fillings are a good option for you, call Grand View Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at 920-996-0123 or visit our practice at 381 South Kools St, Appleton, WI 54914.